While there is no plan at this time to raise the threat level, we
do remain concerned about recent intelligence reporting, as well as the
audio tape received earlier this week, no matter whose voice it is that
is on that audio tape.

Because of this concern, federal agencies are taking a variety of
additional steps to ramp up our protection and prevention measures, as
well as communicating with state and local law enforcement and the
private sector to inform them of our assessment of the latest
information.

If you'll recall, in early October, there was a release of tapes
recorded by bin Laden, as well as Zawahiri, and increased intelligence
reporting against our critical infrastructure, transportation systems,
and the American people and our friends and allies. That led us to
issue several public warnings about the heightened possibility of
either a large-scale or several small-scale attacks on the United
States at home or against our interests abroad. At that time, we began
a coordinated effort among all levels of the government and the private
sector to reduce our vulnerability and increase our preparedness
levels, based on the new threat information. And that information has
not stopped and will be ongoing for the foreseeable future.